BSNL to improve connectivity along borders

To improve connectivity along the borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar, the BSNL would set up mobile phone towers along the frontiers, an official said here on Friday.

"We have initiated the process to install BTS (Base Tower Stations) along the borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan and Myanmar to improve mobile phone connectivities in the bordering areas," an official of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) said.

"The union home ministry has recently lifted the earlier restriction to install BTS within 10 km radius of international border, apprehending misuse of the mobile signal by the inimical elements," the official told IANS.

He said the BTS would come up along the border outposts (BOP) of the Border Security Force (BSF) or security forces of other border guards.

"The BSNL has planned to install around 450 BTS along the borders. Mobile phone connectivity along the border areas would witness enormous change once this initiative is complete," the official added.

The state owned Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (PGCIL) would provide technical support to the BSNL to make the connectivity along the border successful.

The PGCIL has extensive underground cable network in northeast India and BSNL will use this network to link the state capitals and other important towns of the mountainous region.